Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

MEDICAL EDITOR

Prab R. Tumpati, MD — Editor-in-Chief, WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia
Internal medicine • Obesity medicine • Sleep medicine
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
Synonyms	SIBO
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, malabsorption
Complications	Nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, osteoporosis
Onset	Any age
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Dysmotility, anatomical abnormalities, immune system disorders
Risks	Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus
Diagnosis	Breath test, small bowel aspirate and culture
Differential diagnosis	Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, lactose intolerance
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics, dietary changes, probiotics
Medication	Rifaximin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in elderly and patients with gastrointestinal disorders
Deaths	N/A

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

The human small intestine, where SIBO occurs.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a medical condition where excessive bacteria grow in the small intestine, which is not typically associated with high bacterial counts. This overgrowth can interfere with normal digestion and absorption of food, and it can cause various symptoms.

Causes

SIBO is usually caused by an underlying condition that affects the normal motility of the small intestine, such as:

• IBS
• Celiac disease
• Crohn's disease
• Gastric bypass surgery
• Medications that affect gut motility

Symptoms

Common symptoms of SIBO include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea
• Malabsorption leading to deficiencies in nutrients
• Weight loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a breath test, which measures the production of hydrogen and methane after consuming a sugar solution.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics to reduce bacterial overgrowth
• Dietary changes
• Probiotics
• Treating underlying conditions

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on managing underlying conditions and dietary modifications to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence.

External Links

• Mayo Clinic - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
• National Center for Biotechnology Information - SIBO